SHAPE A BETTER FUTURE
“Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that generation. Let your greatness blossom.� Nelson Mandela Former Honorary President UWC movement
THIS IS OUR TIME
This is an exciting time
This is a challenging time
Though unpredictable, the future holds exhilarating, infinite possibilities. Technology has transformed space and processes, and geographical boundaries no longer define information, ideas or people. Shifts in hierarchies, structures and systems are re-shaping workplaces and societies.
Social tensions are on the rise. The gap between the world’s wealthiest and poorest continues to widen. The environment is overburdened and populations are growing in some countries, while shrinking in others. Conflict continues to claim lives and displace communities.
This is our time Our mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Our ambition is to be a leader in international education. Our goal is to educate individuals to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world. Our students will harness the excitement and challenge of our time into action for shaping a better world.
“I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefinable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self denial and, above all, compassion.” Kurt Hahn Founder of the UWC movement
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Our holistic learning programme includes academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education and service. It has been carefully designed to support our students to grow as principled, resilient and committed individuals who have the skills to make a difference.
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UWCSEA students acquire the skills and qualities, knowledge and understanding that ensure they are aware, able and active contributors to shaping a better world.
To educate individuals to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world
This is the story of the UWCSEA learning programme, with the UWC mission as both our inspiration and our goal.
SUPPORT CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE
SUPPORT THE BELIEVERS AND ACHIEVERS
Investing in an education that empowers students is an investment in future leaders. These leaders, through their determination and compassion, will make a positive difference wherever they are in the world.
Cycle for Cambodia “The idea to build a school came when we went on the UWCSEA family house building trip to Cambodia. The houses provide a place to live, but a school will provide a place to grow. We raised enough to build two schools that will, I hope, help hundreds of young people discover the power of education.” Elsemieke Marren, Grade 10 A summer break can mean many things to students. For Elsemieke Marren, a Grade 10 student at UWCSEA, it was an opportunity to help others.
In 2013, she cycled 1,000 kilometres across Western Australia with her father to raise money to build schools in Cambodia. The gruelling 15-day ride raised S$128,000. Her determination to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world is the UWCSEA educational goal in action.
NGO for Kenya Receiving a scholarship to UWCSEA is a life-changing experience. For Michael Ogutu from Kenya, who joined the College in 2006, it inspired him to help others receive the gift of an education. In 2008, while attending Middlebury College in Vermont, USA, on a Shelby Davis scholarship, Mike worked two jobs so that he could sponsor two students to attend the school in rural Kenya where he grew up— a place where his parents had struggled to pay the fees.
Now a Senior Associate at a global financial services firm in the US, Mike has founded his own NGO, the Ungana Scholars Project, so he can support even more Kenyan students. In 2013, he funded a total of 23 scholarships.
“My goal is to offer an alternative that will unleash educational potential in rural areas of Africa. I am excited to be making the change I want to see in the world.” Michael Ogutu, Class of 2008
The UWCSEA Foundation was founded to support the College in achieving its ambition. The Foundation raises money for four core programmes that are directly aligned with the strategic plan of the College. They are: • scholarship programme, which offers scholarships to exceptional young people who truly value the power of education
“Many leading colleges and universities are underpinned by a successful foundation. The foundation gives the institution greater freedom and flexibility to pursue bigger goals, recruit world class staff and invest in cutting edge technology and curriculum innovation, all the while establishing a sustainable development plan. The sole aim of the UWCSEA Foundation is to support the College in its ambition to become a leader in international education.” Declan McFadden, Chair UWCSEA Foundation
• professional development, which helps to ensure that our teachers are growing and learning alongside students • curriculum innovation, which ensures our learning programme is leading the way in key areas of 21st century education • capital and infrastructure, which supports student-led initiatives that address social and environmental issues, and helps us to enhance our campuses and outdoor education site We want only the best for our students, but more than that, we want what is best for education across the world. We share our learning and work with other institutions that also aim to cultivate global citizens—individuals who think and act beyond their own needs. Through
donations to these four programmes, UWCSEA can lead by influence and work with others to shape a better future.
UWCSEA Foundation • established in 2008, the Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organisation that raises, invests and manages philanthropic contributions to benefit UWCSEA • since the launch of the UWCSEA Foundation in 2008, 15 committed volunteers have given their time, energy and experience to govern the Foundation. The Foundation trustees bring a vast range of knowledge and experience from the education, finance, government, business and legal sectors • it was the first foundation supporting a Foreign System School in Singapore to be granted Institute of Public Character (IPC) status • 100% of every donation goes towards to the programmes the Foundation supports • gifts can be made through annual giving, major gifts, endowments, bequests and naming opportunities
$2,289,413
Total money raised by UWCSEA Foundation 2012/2013 academic year
SUPPORT UWCSEA
SUPPORT STUDENTS OF PROMISE
The scholarship programme The UWCSEA scholarship programme funds the education of students of promise from across the globe. Most are enrolled in the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12. These students bring so much to the College community with their life experiences, focus, achievements and energy. Living and learning with scholarship students allows our students opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of specific nations, cultures and global issues.
“Being at UWCSEA and learning alongside scholars taught me that there is so much more to know. It is eye opening. You see people for who they are, not where they are from, or what they believe. We do not need labels in this world. We need respect for one another.” Alya Ansari, Grade 11
Scholar stories For scholars, a UWCSEA education is an opportunity to take their dynamism and commitment to new levels— personally, locally and globally. Orphaned and homeless at seven, Sayorn picked and sold rubbish from dumpsites in Phnom Penh. He was taken in by an orphanage, given a home, food and introduced to education. He graduated from UWCSEA in June 2013, following five years of scholarships. After completing his university education, Sayorn intends to return to Cambodia and play a role in enhancing his country’s development.
Faustine, who joined UWCSEA in August 2014, was born in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. For Faustine, that meant she grew up not knowing her grandparents or her family history. Determined to trace her heritage, she took it upon herself to discover her lineage—all the way back to the 8th century—and through it she discovered her passion for knowledge.
“What keeps me going in life is that I believe that education is the key to succeed. I dream of building schools for streetkids in my home country. I want them to think that they have a future, not just walking all day with a plastic bag behind their back and only focusing on surviving, day in-day out.”
“I have a lot of faith in UWCSEA. It helps bring together different societies and empowers scholars who in return will go back to their respective countries and start making a real difference—this is needed in so many places, especially where I come from in Africa. This is a land where things can prosper, but it is torn by war, greed and ignorance. I know that it won’t be easy to stop this, but at least we have planted seeds of hope for everyone to start growing and start taking action.”
Sayorn Chin, UWCSEA scholar, Class of 2013
Faustine Karasira, UWCSEA scholar, Class of 2016
to pass exams and enter universities, the greatest impact on their future success, and on the world, comes from the skills and qualities they develop in the process.
Curriculum innovation Today, teaching and learning requires more adaptation and innovation than ever before. The curriculum innovation programme provides important funds for the continued development and enhancement of our educational programme. UWCSEA’s curriculum is developed around our mission to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. While students must gain knowledge and understanding
The five elements of our learning programme— academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education and service—provide students with opportunities to grow as learners and as people. We are continually developing and enhancing the programme in line with latest research, so that students benefit directly from developments in the field of education. Donations through the Foundation help us to develop a curriculum that is leading the way in key areas of 21st century education, including service education, outdoor education and the development of personal qualities in students.
“At UWCSEA, I have had the ability to challenge myself to do things I haven’t done before. No matter whether it went well or not, no matter whether it was fundraising money for a school in India, painting classrooms in Nepal or trying to understand politics in Rwanda, it has taught me a great deal about what is important if you want to make a change. My critical sense and ability to evaluate ideas has ascended. But most importantly, I feel like I have gained courage. This gives me a deep feeling of purpose, a hope that I will, in this ephemeral time I have, be able to do worthwhile things.” Troels boldt Rømer, Denmark, Class of 2014
SUPPORT HOLISTIC EDUCATION
SUPPORT LIFE-LONG LEARNING
Staff professional development Research shows that the biggest single influence on student achievement is teachers. Teachers provide the avenues that stretch student thinking and create a challenging learning environment for them. Investing in our teachers is central to maintaining the transformational experience and high standards at UWCSEA. UWCSEA teachers are expected to both teach and learn. By continuing their own professional development, they are not only keeping up-to-date with the latest research in education, they are providing role models for their students, demonstrating that learning is a life-long pursuit.
Teachers have professional development in all aspects of the learning programme, but also in areas such as child psychology, developing resilience in young people, supporting students through adolescent anxiety, the empowerment of female students or medical training for school expeditions.
“My favourite subject is English. I love it for a variety of factors, among them my teacher. When I first began the course, I was sceptical because it was a new course and the teacher was new as well. However, my teacher has constantly supported my initial ignorance, timidity and has been more than a teacher to me. I write poetry, and she has constantly gone the extra mile to look at my poetry and discuss all my reading patterns and what would improve my skills as a writer.” Louise Okatch Class of 2014, Kenya
Donations through the Foundation support this investment in our teachers, resulting in an enhanced experience for our students.
17
Years average experience Other (22 others) – 17%
Singapore – 3% USA – 3% UK – 45% New Zealand – 8%
39%
Canada – 9%
Nationalities of teachers
Australia – 15%
Full-time teachers holding a Masters or higher degree
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IB Authorization Team Chairs/ Consultants/ Team members
71 17
IBDP Examiners
IBDP Workshop Leaders
Capital and infrastructure Learning in a positive and motivating environment impacts the attitude of our students. We have an outstanding range of facilities that were designed with learning in mind, providing our students with inspiring spaces that help bring their learning to life. The annual investments in the Dover and East campuses have transformed the learning environment in a number of ways: classrooms and libraries are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools, students have access to professional-quality performance spaces and our athletes train in first class athletic and sporting facilities.
At the same time, a focus on sustainability in our buildings helps students to understand the benefits of environmental design and emphasises the College’s commitment to a sustainable future. As we continue the enhancement of our campus facilities, donations through the Foundation will also help us achieve our vision for an immersive outdoor education centre in Sibu, Malaysia, that will put students right at the heart of adventure and challenge. It will provide opportunities for learning that no other school will offer and will further extend the reach of our Outdoor Education programme.
“Outdoor education is a fun subject, but it hides a big importance. Besides working as a team during the trip, outdoor education is the only subject where we can apply all of our school knowledge into reality. It allows us to learn more about ourselves and teaches us how to adapt to different environments. Outdoor education also brings us closer to nature and shows us how we can take care of our environment.” Sunhay Try Class of 2015, Cambodia
SUPPORT A FLOURISHING ENVIRONMENT
EMPOWER, ENABLE AND INVEST
Empower, enable and invest in a future generation UWCSEA provides students with an exceptional education that compels them to take action for the greater good of their community. By educating students from around the world together, and uniting them in a common purpose—to be of service to others—we will fulfil our mission to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
“UWCSEA gave me the opportunity to unleash my potential in a way I have never experienced before—from the excellent academic programme, through the commitment to serve others, and ending with the gateway to a diverse environment. The skills I have acquired in these two years have opened (and will continue to open) numerous unique opportunities for me. UWCSEA has had an impact on me, and I feel a duty to get out into the world and act as an agent of change. Our success is your victory and reward, and I hope that I can continue to honour your kindness with the character and attitude I have obtained here at UWCSEA.” Javier Alejandro Cifuentes Garzaro, Guatemala, Class of 2013
Please consider making a gift to UWCSEA A gift of any amount will be used to support our four key programmes. Through your support we will empower, enable and invest in the future generation of global citizens who will change the world. Please contact us: UWCSEA Foundation 1207 Dover Road Singapore 139654 Tel: +65 6419 9353 Email: foundation@uwcsea.edu.sg www.uwcsea.edu.sg/supportus
Foundation trustees Mr Declan MacFadden, Chair and Trustee Mr David Chong, Vice-Chair and Member Mr Dale Fisher, Member Mr Andrew Budden, Trustee Mr Gay Chee Cheong, Trustee Mr Heinrich Jessen, Trustee Ms Kirtida Mekani Trustee Mr Ravi Raju, Trustee Ms Michelle Sassoon, Trustee Mr Satish Shankar, Trustee Dr Mary Ann Tsao, Trustee
“We live in times of remarkable change. The world is shrinking into a tiny global village. The Asian century is emerging. In such times, the East and West must learn to live and work together closely. Hence, the world needs young leaders who understand cultural diversity and the new global environmental challenges we face. UWCSEA is ideally placed to produce such leaders. There are few better causes to support in these times.� Kishore Mahbubani Dean and Professor in the Practice of Public Policy of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and Inaugural Chair, UWCSEA Foundation
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